12 Engineering Internships for High School Students in Los Angeles
As a high school student, gaining practical experience in engineering early on can be beneficial. Hands-on projects not only help build theoretical knowledge but also offer an in-depth understanding of how principles learned in engineering are applied to real-world scenarios.
Internships provide more than just technical skills and growth. Internships offer students the opportunity to build strong professional networks, working alongside experienced engineers, researchers, and mentors who can provide guidance on both educational and career pathways. Additionally, students can see how the principles they’ve learned are applied to solve real-world problems, whether it’s optimizing renewable energy systems, designing efficient transportation networks, or improving healthcare technologies.
These experiences can significantly bolster a college application by showcasing a student’s commitment to the field, their ability to work in professional environments, and their drive to pursue learning outside the classroom. In this list, we’ve compiled 12 engineering internships specifically for high school students in Los Angeles.
1. Ladder Internships - Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Program dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Application deadline: Rolling, with specific deadlines for each cohort
Eligibility: All high school students
Ladder Internships is an opportunity designed to give high school students real-world exposure to fast-paced startup environments. Whether you're interested in software development, robotics, or design engineering, Ladder Internships will place you within innovative companies experiencing rapid growth. You’ll work side by side with professionals, tackling real-world challenges in areas like system design, product development, and process engineering.
Ladder focuses on personal development alongside technical growth. Every intern is paired with a Ladder Coach, who offers one-on-one mentorship, providing advice on everything from time management to collaboration techniques. You will gain experience in solving engineering problems creatively and effectively by working on project teams, helping with simulations, and drafting designs.
2. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Program
Location: NASA Centers across the U.S., including Los Angeles
Stipend: Varies based on position and location
Program dates: Spring session (Mid-January - Early May) | Summer Session (Early June- August) | Fall session (Early September - December)
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28 | Fall: May 16
Eligibility:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application
If you're interested in space exploration, technology, and engineering, this is a great option for you. As a NASA intern, you'll be working on cutting-edge projects in aerospace, robotics, and environmental science. You might help design components for future missions, assist in software development for satellite systems, or collaborate with engineers on spacecraft simulations.
The internship program also provides additional access to high-end NASA facilities and resources. You will gain hands-on experience within the world-class NASA labs, be a part of ongoing projects, and work together with technology experts. The mentorship will offer classroom education and provide insight into the challenges and opportunities in the aerospace and technology fields.
3. High School Involvement Partnership Mentoring Program by Northrop Grumman
Location: South Bay, Los Angeles and San Diego, CA
Stipend: Unpaid
Program dates: Junior Year: September to May || Senior Year: October to April
Application Deadline: Applications take place through participating community schools
Eligibility: The eligibility criteria are as follows
- Interest in STEM, particularly engineering, physics, math, cyber, computer science, manufacturing
- 3.25 or greater GPA
- Attend a public high school in a Northrop Grumman community
- U.S. citizen
The HIP Mentoring Program is for ambitious high school students who are interested in fields such as aerospace engineering, cyber systems, or physics. This mentorship program provides an insider's view of how these industries operate. You will have the opportunity to meet professionals at the forefront of technological innovation. The internship will acquaint you with workforce skills, virtual seminars with top professionals, exposure to companies' products and processes, and much more. You will be thoroughly guided by your mentor, who will individually be there for you and drive you toward your academic and career paths.
This program is structured across two years. During your junior year, you'll get to explore a range of technologies and engineering concepts through virtual seminars, guest lectures, and on-site visits. In your senior year, you will have individual or group mentoring sessions that will enable you to complete a hands-on project. By the time you finish, you'll have a solid grasp of the skills needed to excel in college and beyond, plus a professional network in one of the most prestigious companies in the world.
4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: There are several lab locations you can choose from across the country. Multiple locations across California.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Program dates: 8-week programs in the summer. The exact dates will vary depending on the lab you choose.
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen
- At least 16 years old
- High school student who has completed at least grade 9
- Criteria and requirements might vary according to lab location.
The Department of Navy's (DoN) Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a scientific research summer internship for high school students. The program is conducted in several laboratories nationwide, where you will get the opportunity to carry out world-class science and engineering research under the guidance of top Navy scientists and engineers. Past interns have worked on data encryption and underwater drone systems, providing you with hands-on experiences.
The lab assignments are based on your interests, offering a tailored experience that aligns with your academic and career goals. The SEAP has approximately 300 placements across over 38 laboratories in the country; hence, it is a very competitive program. The program is well-known for offering students a research-focused environment, access to cutting-edge technology, and the chance to collaborate with innovators in the field.
5. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program (AFRL)
Location: Various AFRL labs, including Edwards AFB, California
Stipend: $492.40 per week
Program dates: Varies according to project and location, but is during one of the cohorts
- Summer: June to August (10 weeks)
- Spring: January to May (16 weeks)
- Fall: September to December (16 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Eligibility:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Be available for 40 hours a week
- Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application
- You can read more on eligibility here.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a paid internship for upper-level high school students who are keen on a career in aerospace engineering and related fields. You'll be working with scientists and engineers on critical projects. You will be working under full-time AFRL scientists and engineers who will serve as your mentors, guiding and supporting you. Alongside aerospace engineering, there are projects related to other engineering fields, such as electrical, software, and more.
In addition to the technical knowledge you’ll gain, you’ll also develop essential soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and analytical thinking—skills that are highly valued in STEM careers. Plus, the weekly stipend means you can focus on learning without worrying about finances.
6. Research in Industrial Programs for Students (RIPS)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Stipend: Includes a stipend, free housing, meals, and travel support
Program dates: June 24 – August 23
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Eligibility: Graduating seniors who are at least 18 years of age
RIPS (Research in Industrial Projects for Students) is a great option if you're fascinated by the connection between academia and industry. The program will provide you with the opportunity to conduct collaborative research with industrial partners, gaining practical experience in solving real-life challenges and driving industrial innovation. You will get to interact with and work alongside professionals and highly experienced researchers, applying your academic knowledge to real-world situations with a focus on industry.
This immersive experience will enhance your technical skills and offer insight into the complications involved in industrial research. The projects involve math and computing. Past projects have involved space mission design, machine learning, weather forecasting, digital image blending, quantum computing, and more! This hands-on experience not only enhances your problem-solving and technical skills but also offers networking opportunities with professionals from various sectors.
7. Stanford’s SHTEM: Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Unpaid
Program dates: June 17 - August 9,
Application Deadline: Fill out this form for information on the cohort
Eligibility: Must be currently a high school junior or senior (i.e., 11th or 12th grade at the time of application)
Stanford's SHTEM: Summer Internship Program is designed for dedicated high school-level students who are interested in biotechnology and bioengineering. Being one of the most prestigious research institutions in the world, Stanford gives students an immersive experience through its SHTEM program. Whether you’re interested in biotechnology, bioengineering, or digital humanities, this prestigious program offers hands-on experience with Stanford’s leading research teams.
As an intern, you’ll work on interdisciplinary projects such as molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or computational engineering. This program is especially valuable because it allows students to delve into both theoretical and practical aspects of scientific research, all while being mentored by Stanford faculty and researchers. While the internship is unpaid, the skills you gain—along with the prestige of being affiliated with Stanford—make it a solid opportunity for students.
8. The Intern Project Summer Program
Location: Virtual and in-person placements in Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: Paid internships, plus potential for college credit
Program Dates: June - August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: March (exact date TBA)
Eligibility: LA county students enrolled in grades 10-12 with priority to students with high need. More details can be found here.
The Intern Project provides valuable practical experience in a variety of exciting career fields, including business, government, engineering and technology, media and the arts, healthcare, and medical technology. Through paid internships with reputable and innovative companies, high school students can develop both personally and professionally while making new friends and obtaining real-world experience. Students can investigate a variety of facets of engineering and technology, such as site design, data analytics, software development, and more.
Working on a problem statement or particular issue that corresponds with current industry trends will be one of your primary tasks as an intern. Projects may entail using machine learning, creating an app to solve problems, or creating a website. As a TIP intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects, like coding software applications, solving engineering challenges, or conducting market analysis. You’ll also have access to professional development resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship, which will help you develop career-focused skills.
9. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: Various labs across the U.S., including the University of California, Los Angeles
Stipend: Varies depending on location and project
Program dates: Summer (specific dates vary by project and lab)
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis according to project
Eligibility: High school seniors, U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Specific eligibility requirements vary by location. You can read more here.
The AEOP High School Internship Program will give you the chance to do fundamental research in a laboratory and look at careers in STEM. You’ll work directly with Department of Defense (DoD) scientists and engineers on high-level research projects, gaining hands-on experience with advanced technologies and methodologies. As an intern, you're likely to get access to high-tech equipment and modern laboratory facilities through professional scientists and engineers. You will also get multiple opportunities to interact with top practitioners who will guide your journey.
You can work in multiple engineering research areas, such as plasma and propulsion technologies, material science, chemical engineering, network science techniques, power and energy, propulsion science, quantum science, and more. The professional mentorship and hands-on experience gained during this apprenticeship could help with your academics and a career in engineering and related fields by conducting research that benefits society and national security.
10. Scripps Student Research Internship
Location: The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, California
Stipend: Unpaid, but academic credit available
Program dates: June 3 - August 9, OR June 17 - August 23 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: You can apply in November
Eligibility: Highly motivated students in high school, college, or professional training (medical/law/graduate/business school) may apply. High school students must be at least 16 to start the internship.
If you’re keen on exploring biotechnology-related fields with top leaders and researchers, you should consider the Scripps Student Research Internship. During the internship, you’ll work on cutting-edge projects alongside Scripps scientists, contributing to real-world research in areas such as cancer, neuroscience, and drug discovery.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing, all while receiving mentorship from some of the top researchers in the field. You will learn about translational science, including the genetic basis for common and complex traits and diseases in humans, as well as the integration of novel technologies to monitor and improve health care. As an intern, you will be required to attend seminars, draft a research proposal, and present your research at a poster symposium.
11. EnergyMag Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Unpaid
Program dates: Rolling dates, internships last 2 to 8 weeks
Application deadline: Applications are open year-round.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.25+ and completion of at least one honors-level science or English class
EnergyMag provides virtual research internships for high school students interested in exploring the fields of renewable energy and materials engineering. As an intern, you’ll engage in a variety of research-focused tasks, such as analyzing energy companies, exploring new technologies, and investigating market trends within the renewable energy sector.
This internship is designed to enhance your critical research skills, foster a deep understanding of energy innovation, and improve your communication abilities. You’ll have the opportunity to write and present reports, work on market exploration projects, and gain real-world experience that will strengthen both your resume and college applications.
The flexibility of the internship allows you to choose between part-time (8 hours a week for up to 9 months) or full-time (20 hours a week for 2 to 8 weeks) commitments, depending on your availability.
12. Institute for Educational Advancement’s EXPLORE
Location: Institute for Educational Advancement, Pasadena, California
Cost: Varies based on program
Program dates: Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter sessions available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14-18
The EXPLORE Program offered by the Institute for Educational Advancement (IEA) provides high school students with hands-on learning experiences in science, research, and innovation. The program is designed for academically talented students who are eager to expand their knowledge in subjects ranging from engineering and biology to computer science and mathematics.
Through a combination of interactive workshops, lab sessions, and real-world projects, EXPLORE encourages participants to apply their classroom knowledge to practical scenarios. Whether you’re building a prototype, conducting a scientific experiment, or working on a new app, EXPLORE helps foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
In addition to academic growth, the program emphasizes leadership development and networking, offering students a chance to build long-lasting relationships with like-minded peers.